The LTRC recognized that several aspects of the Liberian context made involvement of the diaspora a critical component of the truth and reconciliation process in Liberia. Liberia's long-standing relationship with the US and the role played by the US during the conflict – both actions and omissions – provided a framework for examining the conflict. Also, key witnesses, alleged perpetrators, and other conflict actors were known to be residing in the diaspora, primarily in the US, but also in Europe and West Africa, and there was a widespread belief that the diaspora had played a critical role in fomenting and funding the conflict. Finally, the potential for harnessing diaspora resources was a further motivating factor for the LTRC. Commissioners expressed the hope that diaspora engagement could rally additional resources for reparations and development. Indeed, in its final report, the LTRC recommended that Liberians in the diaspora each contribute at least US$1.00 monthly to the Reparations Trust Fund ‘as the beginning of its contribution as citizens of Liberia to the economic and social development of their motherland.’

....The rights that states most often seek to vindicate throughtruth commissions – specifically the right to an investigation,the right to know and the right to reparations – are rightsof victims. This is the fundamental distinction between truthcommissions and prosecutorial processes. Truth commissions arevictim-centered, focused on information and redress, whereasprosecutions are perpetrator-centered and focused on punishment.

....Apart from considering possible legal obligations, nations planningtransitional justice processes should also consider the practicalpolicy implications of diaspora engagement. Again, these implicationsare context specific, but the LTRC process demonstrates thatdiaspora engagement can have an array of effects on diasporagroups themselves, on resident nationals and on host-countrynationals. These impacts are difficult to predict, control andevaluate but are nonetheless worthy of consideration as postconflictstates examine all tools available to progress toward peaceful,stable development. Primary among these tools is the growingeconomic and political power of diasporas.

....Although there are strong legal and practical rationales forincluding diaspora groups in truth commission processes, feasibilityis a concern. Truth commissions have historically planned toaccomplish more than their time and resources allow. Most commissionsmust pare down their goals and narrow their work plans. TheLTRC Diaspora Project demonstrates that creative approachescan expand a truth commission's potential without substantiallyimpacting the budget or timeline. Partnerships and models thatare outside the norms of past practice or what is expected bythe ‘international community’ should be activelyconsidered.